- Thought you knew everything there is to know about ink cartridges? Think again.
Compatible cartridges are way cheaper than OEM products. The differences are so big that you may wonder if these affordable supplies are safe or legal. In this article, we will bust the most common myths about third-party ink.
Myth 1. Prices Are Too Good to Be True
Many HP Officejet Pro models work with 953-series cartridges. A full pack of pigments from Hewlett-Packard costs £95.99. Meanwhile, the independent Smart Ink store offers 4 pack XL HP 953 ink cartridges for merely £39.99. It prints twice as many pages for less than half the price!
Manufacturers of cheaper cartridges are not printer giants with colossal R&D budgets. They specialize in consumable supplies, so their prices are perfectly realistic. Low cost is the primary competitive advantage for independent brands.
Original equipment manufacturers use R&D expenses to justify charging a lot for new ink. However, many consumers believe in the “razor and blades” theory.
Apparently, simple models of inkjet printers are sold close to their break-even point. For example, HP DeskJet 3760 costs just £45. Original cartridges look disproportionately expensive (£25 is over 50% of this price). This leads to the assumption that companies use bargains to lure new customers who will use their ink for years.
Myth 2. Quality Is Bad
You may be surprised by how far this industry has come over the past decade. Trusted shops like Smart Ink comply with global quality standards. It is not uncommon to see references to ISO, CE, Reach or STMC.
Differences in print quality are often indistinguishable. However, this does not mean there aren’t any substandard products on the market. Some due diligence is still required.
Myth 3. Compatible Cartridges Are Illegal
The opposite is true — compatible products are officially regarded as original. They are not replicas of original supplies, but they are designed for the same printer models. Consumer protection laws in many countries, including the UK, prevent printer brands from cancelling warranties due to the use of non-original products.
Myth 4. Compatible Cartridges Are Dangerous
Can compatible cartridges damage your printer? No, as long as you buy them from reliable shops and follow the installation guidelines. If the opposite were true, this industry would have ceased to exist. You are more likely to damage your equipment if you try refilling cartridges at home!
Myth 5. Refilling Is Better
Reconditioning an ink cartridge is challenging and should only be done by professionals. Cartridges have sensitive elements that must not be touched, and they require an exact amount of ink injected in a certain way. DIY attempts may result in poor print quality, leaks, clogging of the printheads, or even permanent damage to the equipment.
If you are keen on reducing waste, order remanufactured products online. They are sold alongside compatible ones. These are original cartridges that have been thoroughly cleaned, refurbished, filled with fresh ink and tested. Save money and reduce your impact on the environment!